Sutton Foster? I know she's not everyone's favorite but I just listened to her doing "I'm the Greatest Star" and she has the comic timing. I'd also love to see her take on a more dramatic role. Yes, Kritzer would be ideal but Foster seems a more realistic choice. Here's hoping Encores! does this show after Damn Yankees!
This show is a bore without Barbra. Barbra in her prime, that is.
so is it even being rumored or are you just doing your "dream" casting?
Sutton is a pretty amazing performer but I just don't think I would believe it, from her. not Jewish enough.. for me at least.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
The problem with Sutton is that she just doesn't look the part. Sutton is too "china doll" pretty. Fanny Brice really needs to be played by an "ugly duckling".
Purely dream casting. I doubt a reival will happen soon...
I think its a strong show either way.
If it's ever done...
It's Kritzer's.
Leading Actor Joined: 3/2/08
Saw a production with Carol Lawrence as Fanny and it just did not work, she was too beautiful. It has to be a not too attractive person.
Sutton Foster is about as shiksa as you can get. Her playing a character described as "a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls" is pretty ridiculous.
If the show was ever to come back, Leslie Kritzer or Nicole Parker (of MADtv and MARTIN SHORT: FAME BECOMES ME) would be my prime candidates for Fanny.
I'm firmly planted in the Stephanie J Block for Fanny camp
LESLIE KRITZER.
Before touting a FUNNY GIRL revival, go back and read the script.
It is not a strong script at all. The changes made for the movie improved it considerably. (Unfortunately this resulted in changes to the songs as well.)
It would need considerable revision as well as a powerhouse performer who can deliver 8 times a week. Sadly, there is no one around today up to that challenge.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
I would be happy with an Encores! mounting, the songs are just so fantastic, IMO. And while I respect Bobby's opinion, I am gonna go with somethingwicked's comment, Sutton is hardly "a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls."
As I've said before, I've heard nothing but raves about Kritzer's performance at Papermill, I would love to see her perform this role. I think Block is as interesting as watching paint dry, and Shoshana what's-her-name doesn't have the acting chops for the role.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
Sutton is so un-Jewish. It would be like that version I saw on the Music Fair circuit which starred Barbara Cook and George Hamilton. We were calling it "Funny Goy".
Frontrow is right. The book has major problems.
I'd like to see Stephanie J. Block try it.
Was there ever a group of Funny Girl fans known as the "Fanny Pack"?
Because I just thought about that, and it would be a cool name for a fan group.
In all honesty, I've never seen Funny Girl (I know) and apologize for my ignorance.
Is Kristin Chenoweth too old?
Ana Gasteyer
I would LOVE to see Sutton in that role, shiksa or no.
I love the Fanny Pack name for a Funny Girl fan group!
^ that's a great tongue- twister
Sutton is about as exciting as white bread; Leslie has no star charisma.
Funny Girl has a great score and a weak book. Without a major JEWISH star forget it.
I say go with Steven Brinberg.
Or maybe Jason Gould. . .
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/5/04
Ana Gasteyer was brilliant in the concert, I thought. Does Fanny have to be a certain age? Ana looks a little old... but she'd be amazing in the role!
Also, I love Stephanie and like the video I've seen of her.
Ana did the role in Pittsburgh a few years back. Ana is too old. Fanny starts the show at 19 and ends somewhere early 30's. It's best if you cast an actress in her mid to late 20's. Possibly early 30's if she looks young enough.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Stephanie J. Block, hands down for me.
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